Do you want a spot of brightness in your garden during the “midsummer slump”? Do you want a different perennial that will draw the attention of your visitors?
Then you want Lythrum.
Lythrum, Shakespeare’s “long purples,” has several varieties worthy of a place in the hardy border.
They all have willow-like leaves, square stems, and lovely spikes of bloom ranging in color from soft pink to rosy purple.
Modern Pink and Prolific Varieties
The variety Morden’s Pink has generous, full spikes of soft pink and is more open in growth than other varieties. It blooms in July and August and blends well with other colors.
Lythrum salicaria has long-lasting, clear deep carmine-red flowers on large spikes. It throws side spikes almost to ground level and thrives in semi-shade or full sun. Bloom extends from July to Frost.
The variety Prolific is remarkably free flowering, producing 20 or more bloom spikes when well established. The color is a fine shade of rose.
Lythrum
Lythrum is a member of the loose-strife family, which also includes cuphea, the cigar flower, and Lagerstroemia, the crape myrtle.
The name, Lythrum, comes from the Greek for blood, about the color of the flowers in some species.
It is a plant that will fit into many places, provided its wants are known and provided. Lythrum needs water and is not happy without it.
Mulch and Watering Needs
In open borders in full sun, a covering of mulch material will hold moisture, and weekly watering in hot, dry sections will be necessary. It will be right at home beside the tile pool or in that low spot.
Lythrum, the purple willow herb as it is sometimes called, is a fine-cut flower, and the plant does not quickly spread out of bounds.
Try it once. Make it happy, and you’ll never be without it. Lythrum is that kind of plant.
44659 by E Harden